Assessments & Testing

Testing is used in schools to measure student achievement. The district employs different tests at different times of year.District tests are given throughout the year to measure students’ academic growth, for internal purposes.State tests are given to students in a district once a year, based on their grade level and subject area.  National tests that measure college readiness are also given,  See the testing explanations below to learn more about the different tests students will take. The different types of tests give educators an idea of how well their students are learning the concepts presented to them in the classroom.  See the following calendar to view the testing schedule.

The Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments (MCAs) and alternate assessment, Minnesota Test of Academic Skills (MTAS), are the statewide tests that help districts measure student progress toward Minnesota’s academic standards and meet the requirements of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA). Students take one test in each subject. Most students take the MCA, but students who receive special education services and meet eligibility criteria may take the MTAS.